Childcare Teacher Associate

Heartworks Early Education•Essex Junction, VT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Teacher Associate to create a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment where children can develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The role involves designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, guiding the teaching team, and modeling sustainable education practices that support children's learning and long-term wellbeing. The school's Sustainable Education® approach connects research with daily practice, while its HONOR values—Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition—guide relationships among educators, children, families, and partners. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The position works in an active classroom with regular interaction with children, families, and colleagues, including movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces. The Teacher Associate leads classroom routines and instructional practice, supervises and supports children's development, builds family partnerships, and collaborates with and coaches Assistant Teachers. Employees must complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

At least 20 years of age.
High school graduate or GED completion.
Meet at least one of the following: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three Certificate; associate degree from an accredited college in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program Certificate of Completion; Community College of Vermont Child Care Certificate plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; or successful completion of 21 college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, up to 75% of the workday, and to move throughout the school.
Ability to transition among sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day.
Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
Ability to sit on the floor, engage at a child's eye level, participate in age-appropriate activities, and supervise outdoor play.
Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ability to supervise children in playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Ability to follow and model safety procedures and respond quickly and safely in emergencies.

Responsibilities

Design and implement daily lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and sustainable education principles.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
Model best practices for the teaching team and ensure high-quality instructional delivery.
Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration.
Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment as a Mandated Reporter in accordance with state law.
Support children's developmental needs through observation and documentation, using findings to guide instruction and promote holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional, sustainability-minded communication.
Lead or participate in conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Follow and model safety procedures and respond safely to emergencies, evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.

Benefits

Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
Free First Stop Health membership with 24/7 virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
401(k) retirement plan with an annual discretionary employer match contribution.
Optional life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Performance-based pay, including increases tied to certification and/or degree completion.
Career growth and professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and the CHILD Conference.
Generous paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year's.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal support resources.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.